In September 2015, all 193 Member States of the United Nations adopted a plan for achieving a better future for all — laying out a path over the next 15 years to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect our planet.
At the heart of “Agenda 2030” are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which clearly define the world we want — applying to all nations and leaving no one behind. The 17 SDGs are integrated—they recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and that development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability.
Achieving SDGs requires collective action by all sectors in society, and the role of business has become more crucial than ever in driving this transformative change. Incorporating the Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) framework helps companies rethink their values and align business strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Management of natural resources and the business’ impact on the environment
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Air Quality
- Energy Management
- Water and Wastewater Management
- Waste and Hazardous Materials Management
- Ecological Impacts
Ways in which businesses engage with their employees and communities
- Human Rights and Community Relations
- Data Security
- Labour Practices
- Employee Health and Safety
- Employee Engagement, Diversity, and Inclusion
Policies to govern businesses’ decision-making process
- Business Ethics
- Critical Incident Risk Management
- Management of the Legal and Regulatory Environment